EN388 vs EN407: What’s the Difference in Welding Glove Safety Standards?
EN388 and EN407 are European safety standards used to evaluate the performance of protective gloves. EN388 focuses on mechanical risks such as abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance, while EN407 measures heat and flame protection. Choosing the right welding gloves depends on the type of hazards in your working environment.
What Is EN388?
EN388 is a European standard that tests gloves for protection against mechanical risks such as abrasion, blade cuts, tears, and punctures. It is commonly used in industries like construction, metalworking, and heavy manufacturing.
What Is EN407?
EN407 is a safety standard designed to evaluate gloves for heat resistance. It measures protection against flames, contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, molten metal splashes, and large quantities of molten metal.
EN388 vs EN407: Key Differences
The main difference between EN388 and EN407 is the type of protection they provide. EN388 focuses on mechanical durability, while EN407 evaluates thermal resistance. High-quality welding gloves often combine both standards to ensure full protection in extreme industrial environments.
Why Both Standards Matter in Welding
Welding environments involve both mechanical and thermal risks. Sparks, molten metal, and sharp materials require gloves that meet both EN388 and EN407 standards. This is especially important in industries such as oil and gas, shipyards, and steel factories.
How to Choose the Right Welding Gloves
When selecting gloves, consider your work environment. For high-heat applications, prioritize EN407. For handling sharp materials, focus on EN388. The best solution is choosing industrial welding gloves that meet both standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does EN388 protect against?
EN388 protects against mechanical hazards such as abrasion, cuts, tears, and punctures.
What does EN407 measure?
EN407 measures resistance to heat and flames, including contact heat and molten metal exposure.
Do welding gloves need both EN388 and EN407?
Yes, most welding environments require protection from both mechanical and thermal risks, so gloves should meet both standards.
Are ARASWELD welding gloves certified?
Yes, ARASWELD welding gloves are designed to meet EN388 and EN407 standards for maximum protection.